Chapter 317
Xena’s POV
“Ryder wants to give you something back. He and I contacted all your former clients we could think of and asked them to let us photograph their work, Penelope explained.
“I know what this shop meant to you, how heartbroken you were when you saw your portfolio destroyed. I wanted to give this back to you. Ryder walked over to me and took my hand.
My throat tightened. This man… how did he always know exactly what I needed most? Even when I didn’t know it myself. “Thank you!” 1 shouted, throwing my arms around his neck. He caught me, holding me tight, letting me calm down.
In his arms, all the negative emotions melted away.
gratitude and love remained.
“You know, we really should tell them you’re pregnant. Otherwise, they’ll question why you’re not drinking at tonight’s barbecue, Ryder said through our mind link.
“You want to tell them that badly?” I laughed as he released me. I went to hug Penelope.
“Thank you, Penelope,” I said to her.
“It’s just a small repayment for everything you’ve done for me.” Penelope had tears in her eyes.
“I do,” Ryder said through our mind link.
“Okay, but you tell them.” I walked over and grabbed his forearm. Not his hand, just his arm. I wasn’t sure why I suddenly felt so scared or nervous. But I was, and I couldn’t say the words.
“Thank you all for everything you’ve done for us… for her. Through everything that’s happened, having all of you by our side has really been the only thing that’s kept us going. Kept me sane, kept Xena safe.” Even Ryder was getting a bit nervous. We were all standing in a circle. “I wish William could be here, but Xena and I do have some news to share.”
“Are you finally going to Italy?” Ama’s eyes went wide.
“No,” I laughed.
Looking at their expectant faces, I felt a mischievous urge. Let them guess–the answer would shock everyone anyway.
“Going to Florida?” Logan asked.
“Yes, we’re going next week, but that’s not what he wants to say,” I said, looking at Logan.
“Then where are you traveling? Travel has always been your dream,” Leonard asked. Everyone nodded, looking at us.
“Other than Florida, we don’t have any other plans for now. We
to wait until next year,” Ryder looked down at me, smiling.
I could feel Ryder’s excitement–he was trying to stay calm, but I knew how thrilled he was inside.
“Next year? Why?” Ama looked confused.
“Because… Xena’s pregnant,” Ryder said like a proud father–to–be.
The moment the words left his mouth, I knew it would cause an uproar. I held my breath, waiting for their reactions.
“What?” Ama screamed. “I’m not going to cry… I’m not going to cry.”
Chapter 317
“Really? Logan basically pushed Penelope aside and picked me up. He spun me around a few times before putting me down. You’re pregnantz I’m going to be an uncle?”
“Yes,” I said, and he hugged me again.
Logan’s reaction was even more intense than I’d imagined. Seeing him so excited warmed my heart. This was what family felt like.
If you weren’t her brother, I’d cut your balls off,” Penel you both.*
“You’re going to be Aunt Penelope,” I said, hugging her. Log
hands.
glared at Logan. “Move.” She pushed him aside and smiled at me. I’m excited for
gave Ryder a real hug, then stepped back and shook his hand. Leonard just shook
“How far along are you?” Ama asked. She had lost the battle against tears.
“Not far. Actually, it’s still two days before I missed my period. I just had a feeling I shouldn’t drink, so I took a test.” Ryder pulled out the pregnancy test to show them.
“So, no symptoms?” Ama looked at the test and asked.
“Not yet.”
I was mentally preparing myself, not knowing what I might face next. Morning sickness? Fatigue? Mood swings? Just thinking about it made me a little nervous.
“That’s so unfair, but I’m happy for you both,” Ama finally hugged me, and Ryder put the test away.
“Congratulations!” Viola walked over to me and gave me a hug. She was really starting to open up and show her personality. Logan was trying to apologize to Penelope, but she was blocking his attempts to kiss her.
Viola’s change made me feel relieved. Seeing her gradually integrate into our big family made me feel satisfied.
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